The South African Federation of Trade Unions(SAFTU) lambasts the recent move by Solidarity and AfriForum to spread lies about South Africa in the United States of America(USA).
The statement said the South African Federation of Trade Unions(SAFTU) strongly condemns Solidarity trade union's reckless appeal to U.S. President Donald Trump to intensify pressure on the South African government over what it calls "racial laws".This follows Solidarity CEO Dirk Hermann's attack on policies like BEE and affirmative action,which he falsely labels discriminatory.
SAFTU has described the move of Solidarity and AfriForum dangerous and undermines the country's sovereignty also will fuel racial divisions.
The statement said Solidarity's actions echo AfriForum's recent disinformation campaign against the Expropriation Act,falsely claiming it threatens property and targets white farmers.This misinformation fuelled Trump's executive order cutting aid to South Africa and offering Afrikaners refugee status-a dangerous escalation rooted in lies about "white genocide".These actions not only undermine South Africa's sovereignty but also embolden right-wing hysteria and racial division.
The statement added that SAFTU rejects Solidarity's attempt to enlist foreign powers to interfere in South Africa's constitutional processes.These actions borders on treason.
SAFTU has pointed out that even itself is not happy with the implementation of some of the policies and insists that some issues supposed to be addressed through democratic channel without involving foreign forces.
The statement clarified that while SAFTU has criticised policies like BEE and affirmative action for failing the working class and enriching a black elite,the federation insists that grievances should be addressed through democratic debate,not foreign intervention.Solidarity's call for U.S. pressure represents economic coercion to subvert South Africa's democratic processes.
SAFTU added that Solidarity's consistent opposition to transformative policies-from the NHI,BELA,to the Expropriation Act-reflects its defence of white privilege and denial of colonial and apartheid legacies.By refusing to acknowledge the need for redress,Solidarity exposes its reactionary and racist stance.
SAFTU is calling to all progressive forces to act against the actions of Solidarity which are aimed to destabilise the country.
The statement concluded that SAFTU calls on all progressive forces to resist Solidarity's divisive tactics and unite against external interference.The fight for a just and equitable South Africa must be waged within,free from foreign manipulation and rooted in the solidarity of all workers,regardless of race.